Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Base Camp
5.0/0 reviews
16 days
|
Intermediate
DestinationNepal
ActivitiesGuided Trekking
AccommodationHotel and Resort
Group Size15+
VehicleLocal Bus
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Highlights
Encounter a variety of vegetation
Stunned by the great snow-capped Himalayas
Explore local traditional villages
Witness the golden sunrise over the Himalayas
Reach two iconic base camps: the Annapurna and Mardi Himal Base Camps
Dip in a natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda
Off-the-beaten-trek experience
16 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Overview
What would happen if you combine two spectacular trekking routes in one single trip? Yes, the result is unmatched. The Nepal Trekking Rangers is one of the leading trekking agencies of Nepal that is working relentlessly for sustainable trekking in Nepal. We felt that the best way to maintain the sustainability is by providing lots of options to the trekkers from across the globe. In 12 days including arrival and departure, trekkers get chance to walk on the rich trekking trail full of diverse vegetation and culture with a spectacular mountain views. The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek is just not a trekking package but it is an idea to show the world that Nepal is the country of great natural surprises. In a single trekking trip, trekkers get to experience the most commercial trekking route of the Annapurna region and the most off the beaten route. The journey fills up with the contrasting hilly environment of Nepal from where one can accumulate marvelous memories of forests, villages, terraced farmlands, sunrise experiences, and spectacular mountain vistas. The Poon Hill section is the most commercial short trekking route of Nepal. The trail is often crowded with the trekkers from across the globe including Nepalese trekkers. However, the Mardi Himal Trek is for hard – core trekking lovers.
Poon Hill Trek Route Info
For years, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the cornerstone of Nepalese trekking industry. It is undoubtedly the most famous short trekking route of Nepal. The trail is suitable for all age group of trekkers. The chill mountain air and scenic mountain vistas including the green lush forests environment have made this trekking route an ideal place for families, senior citizens, and kids. The most iconic event on this trekking journey is the Poon Hill (3210 m) for sunrise experiences. It is so joyous to behold the mountains being lit up by the morning rays of sun. The hill is a perfect vantage point to observe mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Dhampus Peak, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna Himalayan range, Machhapuchhre etc.
Mardi Himal Trek Introduction
The Mardi Himal Trek route is comparatively new than the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. However, the popularity of the Mardi Trek is increasing tremendously. The major reason behind its popularity is the tranquil forests environment. Trekkers can feel as if they are walking in the wilderness trail from where they get to see the dwarfed look of the cascading hills below clouds. The trek truly makes you feel superior as you gaze the mountain vistas and surrounding landscape from the top of the ridge. It is the perfect alternative to the hustling and bustling of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
How to do Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek in a single trek?
There are different ways to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek in a single trek. Some prefer to do the Mardi Himal Trek at first and then move towards the Poon Hill area. However, this is not highly recommended. It is not the efficient way of the trek. The travel planners of the Nepal Trekking Rangers are so skilled that they have knitted the most scientific trekking itinerary. Our trek follows the classical itinerary of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek until the Tadapani Village. Trek to Mardi Himal starts from the Landruk Village which is opposite the famous Ghandruk Village. Finally, trekkers meet the original Mardi Himal Trek route in Rest Camp. The trip continues all the way to Upper View Point via High Camp before returning back to Sidding Village via Low Camp.
Best Season to Trek
Spring is the best time to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek. Months of the spring season in Nepal are March, April, and May. However, autumn is also equally rewarding season to do the trek. The trekking route of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is through green lush forests of rhododendron trees. Therefore, spring season is the time of the year where flowers bloom and entire forests look spectacular with the colors of more than 20 species of rhododendron. It is possible to do the trekking throughout the year as well but the trekking experiences may not be the same.
Trekking Difficulty
The grade of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek is easy. If you are physically fit and have an active lifestyle, then you can comfortably complete the trekking without any difficulties. However, the combination of these two trekking trails makes it the long detour. Therefore, the trekking activity in an average 6 to 7 hours every day for more than a week is never easy.
Accommodation and Meals
The condition of the meals and accommodation in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route is very high. There are wide options of the lodging styles ranging from luxury lodges to basic tea houses. You can get food items from different parts of the world. Trekkers can order food from menu where you get items of different cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Continental, and Nepalese. However, the Mardi Himal Trek route is still new and there are basic tea houses. Limited food items are available from the menu. The most famous dishes to eat in this section are noodles, chowmeins, momo, and dal bhat. In comparison to the Poon hill trek route, Mardi Trek section has limited options of the meals and accommodation.
Permits
It is possible to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek with a single Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. It costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. 2026/2027 Best Short Annapurna Low Altitude Trek Deals Enjoy an epic trekking journey in Nepal’s two of the most popular short trekking route inside the famous Annapurna region. Get the best deals for 2026 / 2027 trekking season. We offer you the quintessential trekking package of the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek starting from 925 $ to 1100 $ per person.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Base Camp Itinerary
Nepal Trekking Rangers will take care of everything on your Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking tour. You will be met by the representative of the airport, who will take you to your room at the hotel upon arrival. Rest and freshen up.
In the evening, a short meeting will be organized by Nepal Trekking Rangers where you’ll meet with your guide and discuss the trek, gear, and paperwork. If time permits, walk around Thamel and explore the lively market.
Max. Elevation:nullm
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
International Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle as per size of group
Luxury Sofa Tourist Bus to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Private Vehicle from Tourist Bus Park to Hotel to Tourist Bus Park
Private Vehicle to Starting point of trekking
Private Vehicle from Ending point of trekking
Two Nights Accommodation (twin sharing basis) with breakfast in Kathmandu
Two Nights Accommodation (twin sharing basis) with breakfast in Pokhara
One English speaking government registered license holder guide
An assistant guide above 6 pax
One porter each two guests (20kg weight limit) by two person (10kg each trekker) (No Porter for solo Trekker)
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) if it requares
Three times meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) along the trek
Four times tea/coffee along the trek (in cup size)
Seasonable Fruits will serve with breakfast
Water purification drop (if you required)
Accommodation along the trek with sharing basis
Welcome/farewell dinner at traditional nepali kitchen with cultural dance program/Yuddha’s place
Wages and foods with accommodation for guide and porter and their insurance etc
All the Taxes for government as per nepali government rules
NTR (Nepal Trekking Rangers) T-shirt
Duffle Bags for trekking (return after trek)
Trekking accomplished certificate
Trekking Route Map
Cost Excludes
International Flight Fares
Meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Accommodation above 2 nights
Nepal entry visa fees
Private transportation
Travel Insurance which covers up to 6000m
Helicopter rescue or evacuation with any reason if needed which will cover by your travel insurance
No refunds at all if early return from trekking with any reason
Soft, hard and hot drinks in pot size, mineral water for drink, chocolates bar, desserts, snacks, hot shower, wifi (internet), battery charges and personal expenses etc……
TIPS for guide and porters (crew)
Any services which are not mentioned in the inclusions list
Dates & Prices
Your private Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal Base Camp begins from and ends in , covering 16 days of adventure.
We organize exclusive trip for two or more, ensuring a personal and flexible experience.
Private Group Deals
1 Person
US$ 1600
2 - 6 Person
US$ 1435
7 - 12 Person
US$ 1400
13 - 30 Person
US$ 1365
Know Before You Go
About Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters' altitude gazes over the Annapurna Sanctuary and is one of the best trekking spots in Nepal. Panoramic 360-degree views of Himalayan giants such as Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the extremely holy Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in the center of the sanctuary are among the few visible sights. The glacial valleys are side-by-side-by-side—the upper one glacial and the lower half forested and cultivated; and from the fertile slopes, the trek provides the visitor with a glimpse of the successful culture of the Gurung and the Magar. A captivating place to immerse oneself in nature's beauty, alpine scenery, and scenery; a place to be explored by all trekkers.
About Mardi Himal Base Camp
Situated at a height of 4,300 meters, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is on a calm ridge below the breathtaking Machhapuchhre peak with one of the best close-up views of the Annapurna range. There are fewer visitors on this route, and this trip to MHBC is an insider's tip that goes through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and ridge views. From base camp, trekkers are given glorious views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the neighboring valleys; this is the best for nature lovers, pristine mountain scapes, and a lonely Himalayan experience.
What to Expect
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Mardi Himal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it combines two of Nepal's most beautiful trekking routes under a single grand adventure. What follows below is what you can be sure to enjoy:
Variation of Topography: From terrace agriculture and subtropical woods to alpine meadow and glacial peak, the trek passes over scenically diverse landscapes in between.
Two Iconic Base Camps: You'll be in the shadow of Annapurna I (4,130 m) and be treated to ridge-top Himalayan views of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) under Machhapuchhre.
360° Himalaya Panorama Views: Enjoy the wide vista views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — especially from Poon Hill, ABC, and MHBC.
Cultural Encounter: Hike through Gurung and Magar communities, along Nepalese local tea houses, and have a Nepalese local hospitality experience.
Relaxing. Off-the-Beaten-Path Ridge Hikes and Trails: Although ABC is a good trek, the Mardi Himal trek features peaceful, off-the-beaten-path ridge hikes and trails.
Moderate but Worthwhile: Treks are 4 to 7 hours per day with vertical climbs and declines. It's a moderate level of fitness needed but well worth the pretty vistas and overall experience.
Natural Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs with healing properties at Jhinu Danda following the ABC hike.
Wildlife & Florals: Keep an eye out for Himalayan fauna such as langurs, goats, and pheasants. Blooms of flowers along the trail, with rhododendrons in the spring season.
Sunrise Magic: See stunning sunrises in Poon Hill and High Camp, where gold rays penetrate white peaks.
Well-Preserved Lodges: Rest in warm teahouses along the trek, with simple but comfortable lodgings and home-style food cooked locally.
Best Season to Trek
Spring (March to May)
Its presence has always been the tourist center for trekking wonderlands in a high-altitude region of Nepal. Rhododendron shoots begin to flower in the forest; wildflowers of every possible color come into bloom; and with maximum trekking conditions in tow, wholehearted fulfillment awaits any trekker as they step out. The dawn is invigoratingly crisp; daylight warms the spirits; and basking in all the natural wonder at such times is the perfect companion for high-altitude trekking. Far away from the view are the immense and mighty Himalayas of the classic incarnations of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal.
Autumn (September-November)
This period holds magical timings for a Himalayan trek in Nepal. Thus is the finest season when the Annapurna trek is in accumulation service for most of the trekkers. The monsoons would clear up the skies, and there would not be a single obfuscation blocking the view of the Himalayas. Dry and steady Fay weather: the greatest festivals of Nepal are celebrated during this season-Dashain and Tihar, thereby enriching your trekking culture.
Permits for Trekking
You’ll need two permits while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. They are:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area is protected, so you need to have a permit to enter this area. The permit costs around USD 25 (NPR 3000) per person. SAARC nationals receive a 1000 Rs discount.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
In the TIMS card, your information is recorded. If any emergency occurs, your agency will help you. It costs around USD 12 (NPR 2000) per person. SAARC nations get a discount of RS 1000.
Both these permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you don’t want to get in paperwork trouble, we, Nepal Trekking Rangers, will arrange all the permits for you.
Food and Accommodation on Trek
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in a local teahouse throughout your trekking journey. The facilities are basic. The rooms are quite small, and a shared room is available. With a basic mattress, pillow, and blanket, there will be. Bathrooms are usually shared.
In a lower altitude like Pokhara, you’ll get a private room with an attached bathroom. As you gain altitude, the facilities shift to basic, but you’ll enjoy the basic yet comfortable accommodation.
Food
At lower altitudes, you might get a variety of food options, but at higher altitudes, most of the teahouses have similar kinds of menus. You’ll be eating dal bhat for lunch and dinner. You’ll be eating healthy food made by local people, grown on their farm. Dal bhat consists of rice and lentils and may include 2 varieties of veggies and homemade pickles. You’ll eat a big portion of dal bhat, which provides you with energy for walking in a high-altitude region.
For breakfast, you’ll get Tibetan bread, a bowl of soup, eggs, bread, or any other thing that is available in the teahouse. Some other food options are also available, like noodles, momo, pasta, and other varieties of food.
Trekking Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp from Mardi Himal is moderately difficult to moderate. It's for intermediate to basic-level trekkers, but they need to have great stamina since it involves two high-altitude treks in a single trek.
Altitude
The journey has two peak points: Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m and Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. There is less opportunity for altitude sickness than in the Everest area, but still, slowly acclimatizing, drinking plenty of fluid, and moving slowly upwards is recommended.
Trail Conditions
Trails are well and well-marked but with long ascents, steep descents, and rock steps, particularly from Hile to Ulleri and via Chhomrong. The Mardi Himal section has narrow ridges and steeper rises, particularly around High Camp and Base Camp. Some treks entail walking for 6 to 7 hours.
Physical Fitness
You don't need technical climbing skills, but good leg strength, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance are needed. Pre-holiday walking uphill or hill walking will be adequate to prepare you.
Packing Essentials
Packing wisely is much considered while trekking in Nepal’s Himalayan region. Here is the list of must-have essential gear that every trekker needs to pack while trekking in the Annapurna region:
Moisture-wicking base layers
Thermal underwear
Insulating fleece or down jacket
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
Trekking pants
Lightweight trekking shirts
Warm hat/beanie and sun hat
Buff or neck gaiter
Gloves (inner + waterproof outer)
Warm trekking socks
Sports bra and underwear
Well-broken-in trekking boots
Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
Gaiters
40–50L backpack
Duffel bag
Daypack (20–25 L)
A rain cover for a backpack
4-season sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C)
Sleeping bag liner
Travel pillow (optional)
Quick-dry towel
UV-protection sunglasses
Headlamp
Trekking poles
Water bottles
Water purification tablets or a filter
Power bank and charging cables
Small lock for bags
Lightweight dry bags or zip-lock bags
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Lip balm with SPF
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper
Small quick-dry towel
Personal medications
Diamox
Pain relievers
Band-aids and blister plasters
Antiseptic cream
Rehydration salts
Anti-diarrheal tablets (e.g., Imodium)
Valid passport and passport-sized photos
Trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking)
Copies of passport, visa, and permits
Cash in NPR
General Faqs
The trek is 16 days, including arrival and departure and rest days. Trek days are both ABC and Mardi Himal Base Camps.
Nepal Trekking Rangers was phenomenal. Yuddha and his team were communicative, organized, and fairly priced. When our flight to Kathmandu was delayed, Yuddha met us at the airport and ensured we made our connection to Lukla without issue.
On the Three Passes trek, Yuddha was exceptional — attentive, flexible, and fun (he taught us Nepali card games we played nonstop). Thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers, this truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Trek with Nepal Trekking experts if you are going to Nepal!
I just finished the Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and would 100% recommend them to anyone coming to Nepal.
Yuddha, the owner, is a true professional. From the beginning when I contacted him, he was super responsive and able to provide advice on which trek was best. Whenever I had follow-up questions, he would always respond the same day. They also operate with the utmost integrity. Originally, I was meant to trek with them in 2020, but this was cancelled because of Covid. Yuddha reminded me that I had paid the deposit five years ago (which at the time I had told him to hold on to) and took that off the price — I had completely forgotten.
They gave me a warm welcome at the airport as soon as I arrived, and Yuddha met me at my hotel to make sure I had the correct kit, even providing me with things I didn’t have free of charge.
On the trek itself, Yuddha was our guide — so knowledgeable, fun, and spoke great English. Every time I asked him a question about the mountains or region, he had an answer. All the tea houses booked were great and had good food. In the evening, he would play cards with us, and if we ever needed help with anything, he was always on hand.
Words can’t describe the views you see on this trek — we were completely surrounded by the mountains. Yuddha also made sure we went at a sensible pace to avoid any risk of altitude sickness and to ensure we could take it all in.
Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime, and next time I am back in Nepal, I will be trekking with Nepal Trekking Rangers.
Thanks so much, Yuddha!
Perfekter Trek zum Everest Basecamp
We have nothing but positive things to say about our trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers! Our group of three friends was looking for something a little different from the EBC trek and didn’t have time to do the full Three Passes loop. Nepal Trekking Rangers gave us lots of options, and we decided to trek directly to Gokyo Lakes, then over Renjo La and back down to Lukla. It was perfect for us.
Our guide, Yuddha, was super knowledgeable, and the team supporting us was kind and helpful throughout. The communication before and after the trek was excellent, and when we ran into a small snag during our journey, Yuddha handled it smoothly and professionally.
I can’t say enough about how experienced, well-connected, and genuinely kind everyone was. We had an amazing trip, and you’ll be in great hands with Nepal Trekking Rangers.
Great Himalay experience
Hiked the Three Passes trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and our guide Yuddha. He was a fantastic guide to have on this trek — knowledgeable, professional, and a great match for our group. I’ll be happy to use their services again on our next Himalaya adventure.
Incredible Three Passes Trek Experience!
We had an incredible time on our Three Passes trek (and during our whole visit to Nepal) thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers! I researched trekking guides thoroughly before we started our trip and probably reached out to 15 of them. I decided Nepal Trekking Rangers was the best in terms of reviews, ease of communication, and price. After the trip was complete, I can confidently say I was right to choose them.
We had a specific itinerary in mind that needed to fit our schedule, and Yuddha was extremely helpful and accommodating. He answered all our questions promptly during planning and provided extra info, tips, and advice that we wouldn’t have known to ask about. When our international flight to Nepal was delayed by 12 hours, he pulled out all the stops to make sure we still made it to Lukla on time — coming to the airport himself with all the gear we rented, helping us repack into their duffel bags, and storing our suitcases at their office. It was incredibly convenient, and we would have been hugely delayed without his extra effort. He even brought Nepalese rupees to exchange from our USD so we wouldn’t waste time at the airport — and at a better rate!
Our guide, Yuddha, was clearly one of the best we saw on the trails. His decades of experience showed. He was kind, attentive, knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. He helped us navigate the chaos of Lukla airport, made sure we got the best possible accommodations within our budget, communicated with tea house staff, showed us local plants, animals, and landmarks, and answered all our “Which mountain is this?” questions with patience and insight. He told us amazing stories, taught us a Nepali card game that became a nightly tradition, and kept us safe and confident through tricky sections like Chukhung Ri, glacier crossings, and the steep descents from the passes.
When we decided mid-trip to skip an acclimatization day in Dingboche, Yuddha quickly rebooked all our accommodations to adjust the schedule. That flexibility allowed us to return to Kathmandu a day early and enjoy more time in the city — a perfect ending to the trek.
Nepal Trekking Rangers clearly employs some of the best in the business, and Yuddha is incredibly skilled and dedicated to making sure guests have an unforgettable experience. After the trek, we visited his office in Kathmandu to share our experience, and he was a warm and gracious host, eager to hear our feedback — which was all glowing.
This was a truly memorable trip, and we’re so glad we chose Nepal Trekking Rangers.